🇱🇰Visa options for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers 20 visa and permit types across 6 categories — from the instant online Tourist ETA to new investor residence visas, the 2026 Digital Nomad Visa, a June 2024 Permanent Residence scheme, and dual citizenship for the diaspora. 7 lead to PR or citizenship; 18 don't require a job offer.
20permit types
6categories
7PR pathways
18no job needed
Check which Sri Lanka visas you qualify for →
Visa categories in Sri Lanka
All Sri Lanka visa types
Visitor (4)
Tourist ETA
Online or on-arrival authorization for tourism, medical visits, and cultural events — USD 50 online (SAARC: USD 20), instant to 24 hours
Business ETA
For business meetings, conferences, seminars, and short-term training — USD 55 online, multiple entry, 30 days per visit extendable to 6 months
Transit ETA
Free authorization for travellers passing through Sri Lanka en route to another destination — 2-day maximum stay
Embassy Sticker Visa (Restricted Nationalities)
For nationals of Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, North Korea, and Syria — applied at a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission with enhanced documentation
Work (4)
Employment Residence Visa
For foreign nationals employed by a registered Sri Lankan company or government-approved project — entry visa approval required before travel, 1 year renewable
BOI Employment Visa
Streamlined work visa for employees of Board of Investment-registered enterprises — processed via BOI Visa Management System, 1 year renewable
Digital Nomad Visa New 2026
For remote workers and freelancers serving foreign clients — USD 1,500/month income required, USD 500/year fee, 1 year renewable up to 5 years, no Sri Lankan tax on foreign income under 183 days/year
Colombo Port City Employment Visa
For employees of CPCEC-authorized entities in the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone — expedited via CPCEC green channel, up to 5 years
Special (6)
Individual Investor Residence Visa (5-Year) New 2025
For investors depositing USD 100,000 in a Visa Programme Foreign Currency Account — 5-year residency with live, work, and study rights, USD 200/year fee
Golden Paradise Residence Visa (10-Year)
For investors depositing USD 200,000 in a Golden Paradise Foreign Currency Account — 10-year residency, one-time USD 2,000 fee, up to 50% withdrawable after year 1
Colombo Port City Investor Visa
For investors in the Colombo Port City SEZ — USD 100,000 for 5-year or USD 200,000 for 10-year residency, processed via CPCEC green channel
Resident Guest Scheme — Professional
Long-stay residency for foreign professionals remitting USD 2,000/month — currently closed to new applicants; renewals only for existing holders
My Dream Home Visa (Retirement)
Retirement visa for age 55+ — USD 15,000 fixed deposit plus USD 1,500/month remittance, 2-year renewable blocks, no employment permitted
Religious Worker Visa
For clergy and volunteers at registered religious organisations — requires Line Ministry recommendation and CG/DI&E approval before travel
Study (3)
Student Visa (Educational Category)
For full-time students at accredited Sri Lankan universities and approved private institutions — LKR 20,000/year, minimum USD 1,500/year remittance required
Research / Academic Visa
For academic researchers and visiting faculty at government universities and approved research bodies — 1 year renewable
Volunteer Visa (NGO / Educational Category)
For volunteers placed by registered NGOs or educational bodies — CG/DI&E approval required before applying at a diplomatic mission
Family (1)
Family Members Residence Visa (Spouse of Sri Lankan Citizen)
For non-Sri Lankan spouses and dependent children of Sri Lankan citizens — free for spouses of living Sri Lankan citizens; pathway to citizenship by registration after approximately 7 years
Permanent Residence (2)
Permanent Residence Visa (Diaspora & Spouse) New 2024
10-year renewable PR for persons of Sri Lankan descent and foreign spouses of Sri Lankan citizens — USD 1,000 primary applicant, introduced June 2024
Dual Citizenship / Citizenship by Registration
For former Sri Lankan citizens who became foreign nationals — three categories by age (55+), education (degree), or property (LKR 2.5M); USD 2,000 main applicant, 3–6 months processing
Frequently asked questions about moving to Sri Lanka
How many visa types does Sri Lanka offer?
Sri Lanka offers 20 visa and permit types across 6 categories — covering visitor ETAs, work visas, investor residence visas, study, family, and two permanent residence pathways. Notable new programs include the Digital Nomad Visa (launched February 2026) and the Individual Investor Residence Visa (first issued October 2025).
Can I move to Sri Lanka without a job offer?
Yes — 18 of Sri Lanka's 20 visa types don't require a pre-arranged job offer. These include the Tourist and Business ETAs, all investor visas (minimum USD 100,000), the Digital Nomad Visa (USD 1,500/month income), the My Dream Home retirement visa (age 55+), family residence visas, and both permanent residence pathways.
Does Sri Lanka offer a pathway to permanent residency?
Yes. Sri Lanka introduced a formal Permanent Residence scheme in June 2024 for persons of Sri Lankan descent and foreign spouses of Sri Lankan citizens (USD 1,000 for 10-year PR). Investor and Resident Guest Scheme holders can pursue citizenship by registration after 5 years of qualifying residency. Dual citizenship is also available for former Sri Lankan nationals.
What is the Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa?
Sri Lanka launched its Digital Nomad Visa in February 2026. It requires a minimum USD 1,500/month income from remote work, freelancing, or a foreign business. The visa costs USD 500/year per person, lasts 1 year (renewable up to 5 years total), and exempts foreign-sourced income from Sri Lankan tax for stays under 183 days/year. Apply online at remotework.lk.
How do I check my eligibility for Sri Lanka?
Use VisaMatch's free eligibility checker. Enter your nationality, age, occupation, income, and education, then select Sri Lanka. You'll see every Sri Lanka visa you qualify for, with links to the official government source for each.
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